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How to stay safe in the Backcountry

Group of skiers out in the backcountry

Backcountry skiing and riding is now more popular than ever before. Almost everyone that has been on a winter holiday to the mountains claims to have gone off-piste. However, very few people who start out in the backcountry understand the associated risks. They venture out without the necessary knowledge, failing to take the appropriate safety measures and putting themselves right in the danger zone. Not a good place to be.

This article is a guide on how you can get started safely in the backcountry. Backcountry skiing/snowboarding can take you to some of the greatest snow on earth. But it can be a dangerous hobby so you need to be aware of the risks and act smart. It is important to note that this article only scratches the surface of a complicated in-depth topic. Don’t expect to be charging down near vertical lines instantly. It requires many years of extensive studying and experience before certain lines should even be considered. We all have to start somewhere, so with the right preparation, you can make your first steps into the backcountry in a short while. Let us guide you into the wonderful world of the backcountry!

Avalanche out in the backcountry
It is important to be aware of backcountry risks like slab avalanches

Important considerations for the backcountry

Who wants to go backcountry with me?

So, you have determined that your level is sufficient and now you would like to head into the backcountry. It seems tempting to just cut from piste to piste. You might wonder, is this a safe way to start? The answer is, unfortunately, no. Avalanche danger is present as soon as you leave the slopes so there is a chance that an avalanche occurs between the slopes as well. Therefore, you will need to come prepared.

Finding some friends who either have experience in the backcountry, or friends that are equally interested riding the backcountry is key. A good crew is very important when venturing out the back, as they are your biggest chance of survival in case of an emergency. Following an introductory course to the backcountry is something we also highly advise. It is best to follow this course with people that you are likely to be going with in the future. Heading out without any knowledge is asking for trouble.

Group of skiers out in the backcountry
Group in the backcountry

The bare essentials you need

At the very least, you will need a backpack, a probe, shovel and avalanche beacon. It is also handy to carry first aid equipment with you, and a phone. There are several other pieces of equipment you can add to your kit. However, it is important to prioritise. Buying an ABS airbag before purchasing a probe, shovel and avalanche beacon is plain foolish. Make sure to purchase and get familiar with the essentials first!

In any case, it is always best to hire a qualified guide to take you on your first few backcountry experiences. There is simply no way that you will instantly know what to do. Let a professional guide show you what to do, so that you can focus on finding the best stashes of powder!

Backcountry set containing shovel, probe and beacon
Backcountry set

The basics

There are many factors that come into play with backcountry skiing and riding. In this article, we will discuss some of the factors that cause avalanches, and things you should look out for in the terrain when venturing off-piste. There will be more blog posts on this topic throughout the winter, so make sure to stay tuned!

How avalanches are caused

Avalanches are caused by a combination of the following factors:

  • Wind
  • Terrain shape
  • Slope direction
  • New snowfall
  • Steepness of the terrain
  • Human factor

Wind

Wind is the ultimate avalanche engineer. You only need a little bit of snowfall combined with strong wind in order for an avalanche situation to become critical. Paying close attention to the wind is one of the most important things to do.

Terrain shape

There are many different terrain shapes. Some are more prone to avalanches than others. Gullies, troughs, couloirs and slope edges all pose high avalanche risks for example. It is important to read into terrain shapes and learn how to identify them when observing the terrain around you.

Slope Direction

The direction of the slope plays a huge factor in the avalanche risk. Most avalanche accidents (70%) occur on North Facing slopes for example. This is because the snowpack takes more time to set due to the lack of sunlight. North facing slopes are tempting, as they usually contain the best powdery snow. Be very aware of these slopes. They are easily identified, as they are the mountain slopes that are in the shade for the most part of the day.

New Snowfall

Snowfall amount is another factor that should be examined at all times. The avalanche risk rises tremendously after a period of heavy snowfall, especially in combination with a lot of wind. Monitoring the snowfall and the layers it produces in the snowpack is crucial. The presence of weak layers, in particular, need to be identified because they are major contributors factors to the triggering of slides. We want to find out how the weak layers came to be, and where these can be found.

Steepness of the terrain

The steepness of the terrain plays another huge factor in the avalanche risk. Most avalanches occur on a slope that is steeper than 30°. Always look at the steepest part of the slope in order to determine its angle of incline. As a rule of thumb:

Avalanche danger level 5 (most dangerous): Backcountry riding not recommended at all. Have a cup of hot chocolate and stay indoors.

Avalanche danger level 4: Avoid slopes that are over 30°. Other flatter areas can also be dangerous depending on the terrain type.

Avalanche danger level 3: Avoid slopes greater than 35°. Slopes greater than 30° should be skied one at the time.

Avalanche danger level 2: Avoid extremely steep terrain. Be aware of crossing slopes that are 30° or steeper.

Avalanche danger level 1: Apart from extremely steep terrain, most terrain is safe to ride.

Human factor

Humans are the most important avalanche factor. We are able to determine whether a tour or slope is safe and rideable. It is important to objectively identify if you should be venturing to a certain slope. This requires the right experience, personal ability and knowledge of the terrain. It is important to note that the avalanche doesn’t care about how good you are as a skier/snowboarder. Be humble. Let the conditions, the terrain and your crew determine your choices in the backcountry.

Gullies
Gullies
A snow wall corridor standing at 20 metres (65 feet)
Wind dunes
Wind dunes
Wetslab avalanche
Avaluator Slope Evaluation card showing risks associated with terrain and avalanche conditions
Avaluator cards are great tool for assessing conditions
Avaluator card Trip Planner is a useful backcountry trip planning tool

Avalanches are caused by a combination of the following factors:

  • Wind
  • Terrain shape
  • Slope direction
  • New snowfall
  • Steepness of the terrain
  • Human factor

Wind

Wind is the ultimate avalanche engineer. You only need a little bit of snowfall combined with strong wind in order for an avalanche situation to become critical. Paying close attention to the wind is one of the most important things to do.

Wind dunes
Wind dunes

Terrain shape

There are many different terrain shapes. Some are more prone to avalanches than others. Gullies, troughs, couloirs and slope edges all pose high avalanche risks for example. It is important to read into terrain shapes and learn how to identify them when observing the terrain around you.

Slope Direction

The direction of the slope plays a huge factor in the avalanche risk. Most avalanche accidents (70%) occur on North Facing slopes for example. This is because the snowpack takes more time to set due to the lack of sunlight. North facing slopes are tempting, as they usually contain the best powdery snow. Be very aware of these slopes. They are easily identified, as they are the mountain slopes that are in the shade for the most part of the day.

A snow wall corridor standing at 20 metres (65 feet)

New Snowfall

Snowfall amount is another factor that should be examined at all times. The avalanche risk rises tremendously after a period of heavy snowfall, especially in combination with a lot of wind. Monitoring the snowfall and the layers it produces in the snowpack is crucial. The presence of weak layers, in particular, need to be identified because they are major contributors factors to the triggering of slides. We want to find out how the weak layers came to be, and where these can be found.

Steepness of the terrain

The steepness of the terrain plays another huge factor in the avalanche risk. Most avalanches occur on a slope that is steeper than 30°. Always look at the steepest part of the slope in order to determine its angle of incline. As a rule of thumb:

Avalanche danger level 5 (most dangerous): Backcountry riding not recommended at all. Have a cup of hot chocolate and stay indoors.

Avalanche danger level 4: Avoid slopes that are over 30°. Other flatter areas can also be dangerous depending on the terrain type.

Avalanche danger level 3: Avoid slopes greater than 35°. Slopes greater than 30° should be skied one at the time.

Avalanche danger level 2: Avoid extremely steep terrain. Be aware of crossing slopes that are 30° or steeper.

Avalanche danger level 1: Apart from extremely steep terrain, most terrain is safe to ride.

Avaluator Slope Evaluation card showing risks associated with terrain and avalanche conditions
Avaluator cards are great tool for assessing conditions

Human factor

Humans are the most important avalanche factor. We are able to determine whether a tour or slope is safe and rideable. It is important to objectively identify if you should be venturing to a certain slope. This requires the right experience, personal ability and knowledge of the terrain. It is important to note that the avalanche doesn’t care about how good you are as a skier/snowboarder. Be humble. Let the conditions, the terrain and your crew determine your choices in the backcountry.

Things to look out for in the terrain

Cornices

Cornices indicate that strong winds have occurred. Dangerous snowdrifts can be found on the lee-side of the mountain.

Drifting snow

Drifting snow is one of the main causes of avalanches. You can recognize drifting snow by looking at the terrain. Are there many snow dunes formed for example? Can you spot wind tracks on the snow surface?

Recent avalanches

The most obvious and important thing to look out for is recent avalanches. Have a look around, and see if you can spot them. Ask yourself the question: why did that avalanche occur, and does this influence my terrain decisions?

Cracks in the terrain often indicate that the snowpack is ready to break. It is time to make your way out of the area when you hear whumping and settling noises. These whumping and settling noises should be taken very seriously. They are an indication of a weak snowpack, so stay clear of the area!

Cornice
Wetslab avalanche

Cornices

Cornices indicate that strong winds have occurred. Dangerous snowdrifts can be found on the lee-side of the mountain.

Drifting snow

Drifting snow is one of the main causes of avalanches. You can recognize drifting snow by looking at the terrain. Are there many snow dunes formed for example? Can you spot wind tracks on the snow surface?

Recent avalanches

The most obvious and important thing to look out for is recent avalanches. Have a look around, and see if you can spot them. Ask yourself the question: why did that avalanche occur, and does this influence my terrain decisions?

Cracks in the terrain often indicate that the snowpack is ready to break. It is time to make your way out of the area when you hear whumping and settling noises. These whumping and settling noises should be taken very seriously. They are an indication of a weak snowpack, so stay clear of the area!

Cornice

Grab your gear and join us!

We hope that this article has interested you in learning more about backcountry riding. There are many elements that come into play on the mountain. This article merely scratches the surface of a very broad and fascinating topic. Freeriding is the best thing on the planet, but we have to make sure to stay safe and respect the mountain.

Hokkaido Ski Club offers powder guiding and backcountry tours in Niseko, Rusutsu and throughout Hokkaido and Honshu. These programs are for both those who are looking to get into the backcountry for the first time or are seasoned explorers. Our guides are expert mountaineers who will provide you with the knowledge and tools to make sure you stay safe while you are out there. You can always contact us for any questions regarding this subject. We want you to stay safe and ride around with the biggest smile on the mountain!

This could be you!

Updated 24 July 2021

Hokkaido Ski Club

Hokkaido Ski Club

Hokkaido Ski Club comprises an international team of professional snowsports instructors, coaches and mountain guides. Every member brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with over 100 years of total shared experience in the international snowsports industry.
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